Area schools will offer free meals for all students

YATES, STEUBEN COUNTIES--All students preK-12 enrolled in Dundee, Penn Yan and Hammondsport schools will be eligible for free breakfasts and lunches for the 2018-19 school year. The schools are taking part in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Kyle Bower, superintendent for the Hammondsport Central School District, said, "There is no local cost to provide these meals. Reimbursement is provided through federal and state aid."Each school has a few different procedures with the details of how they administer their breakfast and lunch programs. Howard Dennis, superintendent of Penn Yan Central Schools, distributed a one-page note that includes some of the frequently asked questions in Penn Yan about the program. They include:Q: My child likes to get extra food. How does that work?A: The complete reimbursable breakfast and lunch is free. Extra food will be charged according to a la carte pricing.Q: I had money on my account from last year. What happens to those funds?A: Any money carried over from last year is on accounts and can be used for extras or snacks, such as double meals, ice cream, or extra milk. Q: We used to have to fill out an application to receive free or reduced lunch. Do we still need to fill out this form?A: No. However, we request that you complete the Family Income Survey, which allows the district to receive additional services. This survey will be mailed to all PYCSD families.Parents are asked to check with their individual school to answer specific questions about the breakfast and lunch program.